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The Auran Chronicles #2
Spring Guardians & Songbirds
𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬.
After falling for a lie and ruling over another, Snowlin starts revealing her dealing hand. Two queens and a joker. Isjord hanging by her carefully woven threads deep in her father’s council, and Adriata pushed to the corner of her mercy, she awaits. But first she must stop Isjord from taking Adriata before her. Reborn as their demon, she unmasks long hidden fear and returns to take her seat along the Night King as his Queen, much to everyone’s displeasure.
𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.
𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬.
Whose will fail first?
A new revelation inevitably ties Snowlin to the Obscur Asteri, forcing a new bargain to be struck between the two. The odds knew no favour to the wicked or kind in Numengarth, but the wind, sky and thunder favoured her as she ensues a quest to find Aurora’s sceptre pieces before her father and put an end to the war he’d started long before her creation, that of ultimate destruction.
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭? 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝?
After falling for a lie and ruling over another, Snowlin starts revealing her dealing hand. Two queens and a joker. Isjord hanging by her carefully woven threads deep in her father’s council, and Adriata pushed to the corner of her mercy, she awaits. But first she must stop Isjord from taking Adriata before her. Reborn as their demon, she unmasks long hidden fear and returns to take her seat along the Night King as his Queen, much to everyone’s displeasure.
𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.
𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬.
Whose will fail first?
A new revelation inevitably ties Snowlin to the Obscur Asteri, forcing a new bargain to be struck between the two. The odds knew no favour to the wicked or kind in Numengarth, but the wind, sky and thunder favoured her as she ensues a quest to find Aurora’s sceptre pieces before her father and put an end to the war he’d started long before her creation, that of ultimate destruction.
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭? 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝?
913 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2022
290 people are currently reading
9854 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Heiss
11 books596 followersWendy Heiss is a indie author debuting with a new adult fantasy trilogy, Winter Gods & Serpents, the first book in The Auran Chronicles. She has graduated with a Forensics Science degree in the United Kingdom, but literature has been one of her passions since she could manage to read and write. Despite being severely tempted to ride the Agatha Christie route to crime novels, she chose to follow the Tolkien path to fantasy. She forwent fingerprint powder for ball pen ink inevitably forgoing her parents hope for a good life and becoming what they always feared...a figuratively starving artist, which is why she won't quit her day time job any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
September 26, 2024
ㅤ
“The feel of belonging - inside isolation is where I found it.”
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ━ 4.4 - 4.6 ☆ ━
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊱ ──── might contain spoilers ────⊰
ㅤㅤMy highest rated new read of this year so far finally found its worthy nominee in 'Spring Guardians & Songbirds' and I have absolutely no regrets for this. Let me tell you that one thing I can definitely say about the second installment in The Auran Chronicles series is that it is a complete and utter perfection of a wild and shocking rollercoaster of emotions. I will try my best to keep this review as short as possible, as time is kind of my enemy right now, but I just urgently needed to write this review before my mind goes on a new wild spiral.
ㅤㅤIf I said about the first book that it is not an easy book, this is just it's perfect sweet-torturing continuation. After the shocking and insanely strong revelation in the very last chapter of the previous book, it is no wonder that this book brings you right back in the middle of a complete chaos where you are just plunged into more revelations with each new page. While the cold-hearted Snowlin totally thinks that everything is under her complete control, here comes the devilishly handsome Kilian with his scorching heart and passion, ready to ruin each and every self-destructive plan of hers; of course, all done through delicious banters, heart-warming confessions, and some...really, really hot and filthy words and actions that Kilian enforces with the perfection of a God for his one and only queen. (beware of some very BIG offerings, some very interesting techniques of ending discussions, and something about a headboard....😩). But do not worry, because if you ever find yourself tired of a man who is constantly a master of yearning and pining and whose promises of helping his queen burn the entire world if she wishes to will leave your knees weak (as if that could ever happen), the action-packed scenes, the betrayals and political schemes, and the shocking reveals, which all surround the very confusing and intricate wishes of a greedy ruler, are surely bound to intrigue you.
ㅤㅤThis might be the first 800+ page long book that managed to completely keep me entertained from the very first page till the last one, and I am really hoping that my review will be able to be shorter because I cannot promise it can be as entertaining as the book itself.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ world-building, writing and action ༺ ˎˊ-
ㅤㅤMy main concern with the first book was the world-building, which became rather confused owing to the immensely intricate universe the action is set in. Unfortunately, I guess it would have been a good idea to reread the previous book before beginning this one, as several themes remained quite puzzling to me. I do, however, enjoy how the book defines and repeats some of the most crucial components, although there were times when I had to halt and attempt to recall what some of these terms meant. However, I and my weary brain might also be to blame, so take this opinion with a grain of salt.
ㅤㅤWhat I like best about book series in general is seeing the author develop in areas where their work may have fallen short. So you can understand my ultimate satisfaction upon realising that the writing showed some pretty wonderful improvements in the second volume. I still have a minor dislike for certain instances where the register was not appropriate, some minor redacting errors, or some choice of small elements that disrupted the smooth flow of the fantastical story, but these are based on pure personal taste, so I did not let them influence my opinions on the book.
ㅤㅤDespite being a very long book, I have to confess that the action performed its job excellently and did not make me feel bored even for the shortest second. The way the action is so closely linked to the mystery, and how all of the secrets are disclosed to both the characters and you as a reader at the same time as the story progresses, is really effective in keeping the reader involved in the tale. There was definitely some obvious inspiration from some highly popular series for various elements of the narrative, but I honestly didn't mind it because they were integrated well enough into the overall story to not be distracting. I wish several events had been better described, since some of them were still little puzzling, but I believe this might be resolved with a re-read.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ characters ༺ ˎˊ-
ㅤㅤ Despite not really being able to resonate with the characters in the first book, which determined me to not really grow attached to them, this second book just brought me a brand new found-family which I absolutely and entirely adore; i laughed with these characters, got all giddy and happy for them and cried my eyes out for them like I was the one feeling their pain. I simply fell in love with these characters.
ㅤㅤ❆ Snowlin - she is an incredibly complex character who still make me have some doubts about her at times and who might not really be my favourite FMC, but who definitely deserves my entire respect for her power, strong-will and protective nature. I think I still need to make peace with the fact that this character is literally a villain; one who sometimes really lacks morals and this makes her decisions and actions seem rather unnecessarily cruel at times. As a result, I was occasionally perplexed by her, but it is evident that she has a very powerful internal fight, which is what drives her to be so erratic and difficult to comprehend. Her trauma blinds her to fury and retribution, and it runs so deep that it can be difficult to understand why she is so cruel at times. However, she has a very nice character development, but it is so subtle that you have to get beyond her frigid demeanour to realise it.
ㅤㅤ❆ Kilian 🖤 - I do not have enough words to describe how much I simply adore this character. He is exceedingly kind and patient, and he is willing to take the blame and the fall for everyone he cares about. He will practically go to any length to defend the few individuals that remain in his life. Apart from being a total simp for the lady who just appears to desire his head, he is also such an incredible and level-headed leader that people are simply force to adore and respect him. I also thought it appealing that he is always willing to assist and protect those around him, and that his pure heart shines through despite his dark and intimidating demeanour. The man is literally constantly worried about his flowers...and he simply just loves his garden...😭😭 He is a perfect combination of wickedness and kindness -a dark, terrifying power surrounding such a bright and lovely heart. I badly need a man like this...because this man surely knows how to make a woman's knees weak for all the good reasons
ㅤ❧ Despite previously mentioning that I was not really captivated by their love story, this book made me be completely crazy for these two. Everything was made so clear about how deep their love actually run and...it was just beautiful. I have no words; just purely beautiful and passionate.
ㅤㅤ❆ Mal 💖 - I was ecstatic to finally see more of his persona. He is mostly the comedic relief in this series, yet, like everyone else, he has been forced to endure and give so much that I admire his ability to just smile and make everyone around him feel at ease. He is literally the glue that keeps everyone together, and he is such a dependable character that, despite the terrible revelation at the end, you are forced to root for him even more because you realise his behaviour in the first half of the book was motivated by a deep sense of regret. I am sure there is a very nice romance plot coming for him so I cannot wait for the last book...my babie deserves the best 😭
ㅤㅤ❆ Cai and Nia - I still wish we could have gotten to see a bit more of them as characters, but their scenes with Snow are just some of the most heart-warming ones and they do show how deep their bond actually runs. They have nothing but pure loyalty for each other, and they truly managed to become Snowlin's family. If what happened in the end of the book is not fixed fast, I am coming for you Wendy..😅
ㅤㅤ❆ Alaric and Alastair - Despite not playing such huge roles in the book, I truly just wanted to mention them because these two characters have to be the best father figures I have ever read about. They simply deserve so much appreciation...
ㅤㅤ❆ Silas - hope you have the most gruesome death, you sick bastard.
ㅤㅤAnd, of course, there are many other interesting characters that deserve to be mentioned, such as Visha, Atlas, Pen, Eren and Thora, Driada, Oryn; all of them playing their role so perfectly in creating such an amazing story. I just love how diverse they are and what a great court they will surely create.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ ending and conclusions ༺ ˎˊ-
ㅤㅤIf I had only praises about the ending of the first book and how perfectly it was created to be shocking for the entirely unsuspecting reader, I want to genuinely pray for Wendy Heiss to make a lot of money from this series, because the bill for the therapy required after finishing 'Spring Guardians & Songbirds' will definitely not be small. To put such an insane rollercoaster of emotions in the last maybe 60 pages of such a long book and to make me go from disappointment to utter grief, to bring me back to pure happiness just to push me to complete despair with the last pages IS NOTHING SHORT OF CRUEL. Amazing ending, despite it being a complete torture to my heart. 🥲
ㅤㅤThis is honestly one of the best books I've read this year and I can say this with complete honesty. The improvements from the previous book are absolutely insane and deserve all the praise from me. I am honestly not sure if many would agree with me on how good this book is, but keep in mind that for me, a good book doesn't have to be the greatest representation of literary norms and concepts; for me, a good book is one that makes it hard for me to put it down because of how engaging everything is, one that makes me go through all the feelings the characters are experiencing so that I end up being happy with them, or grieving with them and one that simply makes it hard for me to get back to reality once I close it...and this book, more or less, checks everything on my list.
ㅤㅤ────────── ༻✧༺ ──────────
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.˚౿ Pre-reading ࿐ ࿔*:･
ㅤㅤI am absolutely NOT mentally prepared to start this book....but anyway Kilian, darling, here I come 🥰
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ━ 4.4 - 4.6 ☆ ━
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ⊱ ──── might contain spoilers ────⊰
ㅤㅤMy highest rated new read of this year so far finally found its worthy nominee in 'Spring Guardians & Songbirds' and I have absolutely no regrets for this. Let me tell you that one thing I can definitely say about the second installment in The Auran Chronicles series is that it is a complete and utter perfection of a wild and shocking rollercoaster of emotions. I will try my best to keep this review as short as possible, as time is kind of my enemy right now, but I just urgently needed to write this review before my mind goes on a new wild spiral.
ㅤㅤIf I said about the first book that it is not an easy book, this is just it's perfect sweet-torturing continuation. After the shocking and insanely strong revelation in the very last chapter of the previous book, it is no wonder that this book brings you right back in the middle of a complete chaos where you are just plunged into more revelations with each new page. While the cold-hearted Snowlin totally thinks that everything is under her complete control, here comes the devilishly handsome Kilian with his scorching heart and passion, ready to ruin each and every self-destructive plan of hers; of course, all done through delicious banters, heart-warming confessions, and some...really, really hot and filthy words and actions that Kilian enforces with the perfection of a God for his one and only queen. (beware of some very BIG offerings, some very interesting techniques of ending discussions, and something about a headboard....😩). But do not worry, because if you ever find yourself tired of a man who is constantly a master of yearning and pining and whose promises of helping his queen burn the entire world if she wishes to will leave your knees weak (as if that could ever happen), the action-packed scenes, the betrayals and political schemes, and the shocking reveals, which all surround the very confusing and intricate wishes of a greedy ruler, are surely bound to intrigue you.
ㅤㅤThis might be the first 800+ page long book that managed to completely keep me entertained from the very first page till the last one, and I am really hoping that my review will be able to be shorter because I cannot promise it can be as entertaining as the book itself.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ world-building, writing and action ༺ ˎˊ-
ㅤㅤMy main concern with the first book was the world-building, which became rather confused owing to the immensely intricate universe the action is set in. Unfortunately, I guess it would have been a good idea to reread the previous book before beginning this one, as several themes remained quite puzzling to me. I do, however, enjoy how the book defines and repeats some of the most crucial components, although there were times when I had to halt and attempt to recall what some of these terms meant. However, I and my weary brain might also be to blame, so take this opinion with a grain of salt.
ㅤㅤWhat I like best about book series in general is seeing the author develop in areas where their work may have fallen short. So you can understand my ultimate satisfaction upon realising that the writing showed some pretty wonderful improvements in the second volume. I still have a minor dislike for certain instances where the register was not appropriate, some minor redacting errors, or some choice of small elements that disrupted the smooth flow of the fantastical story, but these are based on pure personal taste, so I did not let them influence my opinions on the book.
ㅤㅤDespite being a very long book, I have to confess that the action performed its job excellently and did not make me feel bored even for the shortest second. The way the action is so closely linked to the mystery, and how all of the secrets are disclosed to both the characters and you as a reader at the same time as the story progresses, is really effective in keeping the reader involved in the tale. There was definitely some obvious inspiration from some highly popular series for various elements of the narrative, but I honestly didn't mind it because they were integrated well enough into the overall story to not be distracting. I wish several events had been better described, since some of them were still little puzzling, but I believe this might be resolved with a re-read.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ characters ༺ ˎˊ-
ㅤㅤ Despite not really being able to resonate with the characters in the first book, which determined me to not really grow attached to them, this second book just brought me a brand new found-family which I absolutely and entirely adore; i laughed with these characters, got all giddy and happy for them and cried my eyes out for them like I was the one feeling their pain. I simply fell in love with these characters.
ㅤㅤ❆ Snowlin - she is an incredibly complex character who still make me have some doubts about her at times and who might not really be my favourite FMC, but who definitely deserves my entire respect for her power, strong-will and protective nature. I think I still need to make peace with the fact that this character is literally a villain; one who sometimes really lacks morals and this makes her decisions and actions seem rather unnecessarily cruel at times. As a result, I was occasionally perplexed by her, but it is evident that she has a very powerful internal fight, which is what drives her to be so erratic and difficult to comprehend. Her trauma blinds her to fury and retribution, and it runs so deep that it can be difficult to understand why she is so cruel at times. However, she has a very nice character development, but it is so subtle that you have to get beyond her frigid demeanour to realise it.
ㅤㅤ❆ Kilian 🖤 - I do not have enough words to describe how much I simply adore this character. He is exceedingly kind and patient, and he is willing to take the blame and the fall for everyone he cares about. He will practically go to any length to defend the few individuals that remain in his life. Apart from being a total simp for the lady who just appears to desire his head, he is also such an incredible and level-headed leader that people are simply force to adore and respect him. I also thought it appealing that he is always willing to assist and protect those around him, and that his pure heart shines through despite his dark and intimidating demeanour. The man is literally constantly worried about his flowers...and he simply just loves his garden...😭😭 He is a perfect combination of wickedness and kindness -a dark, terrifying power surrounding such a bright and lovely heart. I badly need a man like this...
ㅤ❧ Despite previously mentioning that I was not really captivated by their love story, this book made me be completely crazy for these two. Everything was made so clear about how deep their love actually run and...it was just beautiful. I have no words; just purely beautiful and passionate.
ㅤㅤ❆ Mal 💖 - I was ecstatic to finally see more of his persona. He is mostly the comedic relief in this series, yet, like everyone else, he has been forced to endure and give so much that I admire his ability to just smile and make everyone around him feel at ease. He is literally the glue that keeps everyone together, and he is such a dependable character that, despite the terrible revelation at the end, you are forced to root for him even more because you realise his behaviour in the first half of the book was motivated by a deep sense of regret. I am sure there is a very nice romance plot coming for him so I cannot wait for the last book...my babie deserves the best 😭
ㅤㅤ❆ Cai and Nia - I still wish we could have gotten to see a bit more of them as characters, but their scenes with Snow are just some of the most heart-warming ones and they do show how deep their bond actually runs. They have nothing but pure loyalty for each other, and they truly managed to become Snowlin's family. If what happened in the end of the book is not fixed fast, I am coming for you Wendy..😅
ㅤㅤ❆ Alaric and Alastair - Despite not playing such huge roles in the book, I truly just wanted to mention them because these two characters have to be the best father figures I have ever read about. They simply deserve so much appreciation...
ㅤㅤ❆ Silas - hope you have the most gruesome death, you sick bastard.
ㅤㅤAnd, of course, there are many other interesting characters that deserve to be mentioned, such as Visha, Atlas, Pen, Eren and Thora, Driada, Oryn; all of them playing their role so perfectly in creating such an amazing story. I just love how diverse they are and what a great court they will surely create.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ -ˋˏ ༻ ending and conclusions ༺ ˎˊ-
ㅤㅤIf I had only praises about the ending of the first book and how perfectly it was created to be shocking for the entirely unsuspecting reader, I want to genuinely pray for Wendy Heiss to make a lot of money from this series, because the bill for the therapy required after finishing 'Spring Guardians & Songbirds' will definitely not be small. To put such an insane rollercoaster of emotions in the last maybe 60 pages of such a long book and to make me go from disappointment to utter grief, to bring me back to pure happiness just to push me to complete despair with the last pages IS NOTHING SHORT OF CRUEL. Amazing ending, despite it being a complete torture to my heart. 🥲
ㅤㅤThis is honestly one of the best books I've read this year and I can say this with complete honesty. The improvements from the previous book are absolutely insane and deserve all the praise from me. I am honestly not sure if many would agree with me on how good this book is, but keep in mind that for me, a good book doesn't have to be the greatest representation of literary norms and concepts; for me, a good book is one that makes it hard for me to put it down because of how engaging everything is, one that makes me go through all the feelings the characters are experiencing so that I end up being happy with them, or grieving with them and one that simply makes it hard for me to get back to reality once I close it...and this book, more or less, checks everything on my list.
ㅤㅤ────────── ༻✧༺ ──────────
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ.˚౿ Pre-reading ࿐ ࿔*:･
ㅤㅤI am absolutely NOT mentally prepared to start this book....but anyway Kilian, darling, here I come 🥰
December 29, 2022
'I want to keep you, Kil'
'I'm afraid you're stuck with me forever'
Thank you so much Wendy for ARC and I loved the book soooo much !!
~ Enemies to Lovers to Enemies
~ Love, Pain, Angst, Hurt, Comfort
~ War between Kingdoms
~ Husband/ Wife
~ My wife moments
~ Toe curling romance and spicy scene
~ Lots of Tension
~ Pretending
~ Ancient Sceptre
~ Action sequence
~ Kings and Queens
5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I'm beyond broken. I don't know how am gonna get myself together. This book broken me in a thousand little pieces and idk to pick it up again. Book 2 has a lots of feelings and emotions. It's interesting and intriguing. The romance? I'm in a puddle. Spicy scenes are totally worth it and i need to put down my Kindle for a moment and take a breath. I've no words to describe and I'd simply say, Masterpiece!
Kilian's love for Snow is overflowing, all i want is to drown in. Perfect husband and wife. Him calling her 'my wife', 'my love', 'my heart', 'love of mine'. I'm done. Sooo done.
Book 3 is gonna destroy me 🥺🥺
'I'm afraid you're stuck with me forever'
Thank you so much Wendy for ARC and I loved the book soooo much !!
~ Enemies to Lovers to Enemies
~ Love, Pain, Angst, Hurt, Comfort
~ War between Kingdoms
~ Husband/ Wife
~ My wife moments
~ Toe curling romance and spicy scene
~ Lots of Tension
~ Pretending
~ Ancient Sceptre
~ Action sequence
~ Kings and Queens
5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I'm beyond broken. I don't know how am gonna get myself together. This book broken me in a thousand little pieces and idk to pick it up again. Book 2 has a lots of feelings and emotions. It's interesting and intriguing. The romance? I'm in a puddle. Spicy scenes are totally worth it and i need to put down my Kindle for a moment and take a breath. I've no words to describe and I'd simply say, Masterpiece!
Kilian's love for Snow is overflowing, all i want is to drown in. Perfect husband and wife. Him calling her 'my wife', 'my love', 'my heart', 'love of mine'. I'm done. Sooo done.
Book 3 is gonna destroy me 🥺🥺
April 23, 2024
this series has just been so disappointing for me because it had so much potential with such a unique storyline. i really wanted to love it because of the good reviews i’ve seen. it has all the elements of a well-developed fantasy novel, but due to odd pacing and random jumping between scenes, the story feels half finished.
after 2 books and over a 1000 pages i’m still so confused by the magic system. the word building just never stops. i really had to force myself to sit down and finish this book.
contemplating finishing off the series with book 3, but it’s been SO SO trialing getting through this first set and i don’t think i want to continue suffering anytime soon.
after 2 books and over a 1000 pages i’m still so confused by the magic system. the word building just never stops. i really had to force myself to sit down and finish this book.
contemplating finishing off the series with book 3, but it’s been SO SO trialing getting through this first set and i don’t think i want to continue suffering anytime soon.
June 19, 2024
4.5
(Messy review)
Love the characters to pieces.
Snowlin remains the best, she is an amazing character, and the queen you do not want to cross. In this book she definitely goes through it, again and again, and it was agonizing, her struggles and self-hate broke my heart, she is so well written that in my eyes she’s always right even when she’s not, because I could just feel her pain through the pages and understand why she did all the things she did, why she just couldn’t stop. After everything she went through, everything that was done to her, the only way she found to push forward was through rage; she planned and dreamed of her revenge and she stayed alive for it, but what was she to do when some of the things she always knew turned out to be much different and much more complicated, when she fell in love with the man she thought ruined her life? It was torture for her, it was tearing her apart, and I could never blame her for taking almost all of the book to make peace with certain things. I feel for her so much. And she definitely inflicted some heavy retributions on some people that deserved it, and I love her also when she’s terrifying and ruthless.
I wanted Kilian to grovel at the end of book 1 and I was not disappointed; he is worthy of my Snow. That he loves her wholeheartedly is undeniable, that he would do anything for her and love her through anything, and I mean anything, no matter what she does or what happens is clear as day. He is both a good king and a perfect match for her, understanding, loving, he pushes when she needs it and surrounds her with the love she deserves, he is there for her always and no matter what, even if what she needs is to stab him. And when the whole truth comes out, there is nothing even left to forgive: he was in a terrible position, how could he have done anything but what he did? He loves her too much and knew what the end would be, would have let her kill him if she needed, and of course he tried to shoulder the blame
But damn how much that secret hurt her. That’s what made the whole situation excruciating but also done perfectly for me, because both Snow and Kil’s positions are so understandable, and they love each other so much but where destined to hurt the other.
Never, and I mean never, touch Cai and Nia.
I have only really one complain: the over whole plot is engaging, but the details of the whys that rely on the lore are so confusing. It’s not well explained. There are these moments of great revelations that are supposed to be shocking or enlightening, you should think “that’s what it is!” but instead I was like “ok” and trying to absorb what they were saying to understand how things work.
(Messy review)
Love the characters to pieces.
Snowlin remains the best, she is an amazing character, and the queen you do not want to cross. In this book she definitely goes through it, again and again, and it was agonizing, her struggles and self-hate broke my heart, she is so well written that in my eyes she’s always right even when she’s not, because I could just feel her pain through the pages and understand why she did all the things she did, why she just couldn’t stop. After everything she went through, everything that was done to her, the only way she found to push forward was through rage; she planned and dreamed of her revenge and she stayed alive for it, but what was she to do when some of the things she always knew turned out to be much different and much more complicated, when she fell in love with the man she thought ruined her life? It was torture for her, it was tearing her apart, and I could never blame her for taking almost all of the book to make peace with certain things. I feel for her so much. And she definitely inflicted some heavy retributions on some people that deserved it, and I love her also when she’s terrifying and ruthless.
I wanted Kilian to grovel at the end of book 1 and I was not disappointed; he is worthy of my Snow. That he loves her wholeheartedly is undeniable, that he would do anything for her and love her through anything, and I mean anything, no matter what she does or what happens is clear as day. He is both a good king and a perfect match for her, understanding, loving, he pushes when she needs it and surrounds her with the love she deserves, he is there for her always and no matter what, even if what she needs is to stab him. And when the whole truth comes out, there is nothing even left to forgive: he was in a terrible position, how could he have done anything but what he did? He loves her too much and knew what the end would be, would have let her kill him if she needed, and of course he tried to shoulder the blame
But damn how much that secret hurt her. That’s what made the whole situation excruciating but also done perfectly for me, because both Snow and Kil’s positions are so understandable, and they love each other so much but where destined to hurt the other.
Never, and I mean never, touch Cai and Nia.
I have only really one complain: the over whole plot is engaging, but the details of the whys that rely on the lore are so confusing. It’s not well explained. There are these moments of great revelations that are supposed to be shocking or enlightening, you should think “that’s what it is!” but instead I was like “ok” and trying to absorb what they were saying to understand how things work.
July 13, 2022
Thank you so much Wendy Heiss for this ARC!
Spring Guardians and Songbirds is the second book in The Auran Chronicles by the amazing Wendy Heiss. I really really tried to savour this book but it was absolutely incredible and I finished it in one sitting, always needed to know what happens next!
This book starts right where Winter Gods and Serpents, with Slowlin feeling betrayed by Killian and Isjord readying to attack. While trying to untangle all the secrets and lies between them, our main characters need to start a fight against time trying to find the missing spectre pieces before Silas does and destroys the world as they know it. But will they be able to work together or will they let hatred destroy any chance they could have at happy ending?
I am in absolute awe of Wendy’s writing. Winter Gods and Serpents was one of my favorite 2021 reads and I’ve read it 3 times by now, couldn’t wait for the sequel. But OMG Spring Guardians and Songbirds exceeded all my expectations! The stakes are higher than ever and there is even more action, more sweet family moments and more of this beautiful romance!
After the end of the first book I knew things between Kilian and Snow wouldn’t be the same but damn, I wasn’t ready for this. I understood Snowlin’s feeling of being betrayed but I couldn’t stay mad for Kilian long, he was was so sweet and understanding, I was really rooting for them and wanted to finally see them happy. I was eagerly waiting for each their moment together, they are one of my favorite bookish couples and Kilian… he is the ultimate book husband and my heart was breaking for him through most of the book.
When it comes to the plot it’s just… wow. This book is insane, fast paced with so many plot twists and mindblowing revelations, enemies turned allies and dead turning up to be alive, there was not a single boring moment. And those last 100 pages is where things really got crazy, I cried constantly though them and Wendy how could you end this like that?! I’m sending you my therapy bill, I can’t believe this is the end and I need to wait for what happens next.
Spring Guardians and Songbirds is an amazing continuation to Winter Gods and Serpents, a perfect fantasy romance read. If you haven’t read the first book yet, what are you waiting for? Now I’m going to cry some more, that cliffhanger is so heartbreaking, can’t wait for the next book, I love this series so much!
Spring Guardians and Songbirds is the second book in The Auran Chronicles by the amazing Wendy Heiss. I really really tried to savour this book but it was absolutely incredible and I finished it in one sitting, always needed to know what happens next!
This book starts right where Winter Gods and Serpents, with Slowlin feeling betrayed by Killian and Isjord readying to attack. While trying to untangle all the secrets and lies between them, our main characters need to start a fight against time trying to find the missing spectre pieces before Silas does and destroys the world as they know it. But will they be able to work together or will they let hatred destroy any chance they could have at happy ending?
I am in absolute awe of Wendy’s writing. Winter Gods and Serpents was one of my favorite 2021 reads and I’ve read it 3 times by now, couldn’t wait for the sequel. But OMG Spring Guardians and Songbirds exceeded all my expectations! The stakes are higher than ever and there is even more action, more sweet family moments and more of this beautiful romance!
After the end of the first book I knew things between Kilian and Snow wouldn’t be the same but damn, I wasn’t ready for this. I understood Snowlin’s feeling of being betrayed but I couldn’t stay mad for Kilian long, he was was so sweet and understanding, I was really rooting for them and wanted to finally see them happy. I was eagerly waiting for each their moment together, they are one of my favorite bookish couples and Kilian… he is the ultimate book husband and my heart was breaking for him through most of the book.
When it comes to the plot it’s just… wow. This book is insane, fast paced with so many plot twists and mindblowing revelations, enemies turned allies and dead turning up to be alive, there was not a single boring moment. And those last 100 pages is where things really got crazy, I cried constantly though them and Wendy how could you end this like that?! I’m sending you my therapy bill, I can’t believe this is the end and I need to wait for what happens next.
Spring Guardians and Songbirds is an amazing continuation to Winter Gods and Serpents, a perfect fantasy romance read. If you haven’t read the first book yet, what are you waiting for? Now I’m going to cry some more, that cliffhanger is so heartbreaking, can’t wait for the next book, I love this series so much!
October 6, 2025
⭐️ 2 Stars ⭐️
I officially give up on this series. It breaks my heart a little because there really were some good ideas here and I think Wendy Heiss could be such an amazing writer but I cannot, for the life of me, bear with the female protagonist of this series for even one more single page. I PHYSICALLY CAN'T.
I'll be skimming the third book cause at this point I've grown much more interested in the plot-that-could-have-been rather than the romance. I really think that if it had been more focused on being plot-driven rather than on Snowlin's push and pull it could have been so much fun, sadly it wasn't and by the end of this book I was drained of every scrap of energy.
CHARACTERS
❥ KILIAN
From what I've seen of the next book... he just gets more understanding and lovely and they fuck non-stop (eye-roll) and he's such and amazing fucking husband coming out of some new-sofa in your living room advertisement... but his character is so fucking DULL. Where's the angst? Where the fuck is the ANGST? He's just here. There's nothing in his head besides that stupid whiny fuck of a wife he got for himself, which could be amusing if it didn't make him bland as hell.
This is not even a case of "me and my girl don’t argue she bash my head in with a rock and I walk it off like a man" this is just a case of him being plainly useless in all of this story, he's just here to embrace the fmc when things go wrong and that's it: his job is husband but not in an amusing way.
For god's sake he's literally the most powerful blablabla of this world, #thenightking, #theobscurasteri (whatever that means), and what he does in every chapter is just... sign papers and feed his wife on his lap. Yawn.
His character was written to be this kind of untouchable stoic aloof man, but he's just plainly boring. Nothing swoon worthy about him. He's just so pathetically good at his core I literally couldn't give less of a fuck about him. The most villainous thing this guy ever did was declaring he would let all of his reign perish and burn at his wife's hand (...literally) because he's so ❤️in love❤️ (but really he just has a guilty conscience about his brother signing a paper to slaughter her entire family in his name).. you're literally such a joke of a king Kilian please resign your position immediately and pass it to someone who can properly lead a country.
It was also mentioned many times that his people are very religious so I think it could have been fun (and what could have saved his boring ass) to explore his internal conflict on religion and his very unfaithful wife. Unfortunately he has literally zero thoughts in his head about anything that isn't pussy so whatever.
❥ SNOWLIN
Oh my fucking god shut the fuck up close that fucking mouth forever don't speak ever again.
This bitch put my patience through literal HELL. She was unbearable in the first book but here? Here we exceeded ourselves. I was hoping so bad someone would finally strike her down forever and pass that fuckass throne to her brother and sister that by the end of the book I was literally thanking heaven and hell she was finally back in her father's clutches so he could finally finish the job and put us out of our misery by killing her and making her shut the hell up FOREVER.
This isn't a strong female character worn out by her trauma... this is a whiny bitch that made me grimace from the amount of second hand embarrassment she was giving me. I was cringing so hard, face scrunched and all every time she decided to open that mouth.
You've got to believe me when I say I was hoping, praying even, that she would grow on me and have some kind of character development through this book... but the moment you learn she's queen of her useless forgotten reign she gets even worse. It seems impossible and yet.
I really think the author took too much inspiration from ToG and Aelin in general (hello? her scars removed after being kidnapped by the great villain... girl), but something definitely went wrong with Snowling cause her cockiness wasn't amusing at all... I just wanted to put her underground every two minutes.
The thing about strong female characters is that even though they're the most powerful beings in the realm they've got to struggle at some point right? Well Snowling literally doesn't struggle with anything at all, all of her problems she created herself: hello unbearable love story dragged for no reason? Hello the world is at war outside of your chamber please stop kissing in the dark and go to work?
This is the biggest problem with her character: she's too much. The author made her one of those overpowered characters you literally can't stand because what's the point of the story if she's gonna come out on top either way? The great thing about Aelin (I don't want to keep comparing but the inspiration was so clear) was that even though she too had godlike powers the book managed to keep you on edge about the outcome of the fight... you won't find that feeling here. Yes Snowlin is creating an army, yes she needs her friends and alliances but everything feels secondary to the romance to the point you just brush off every information about this war because you don't care and I mean, she and Kilian are ✨otherworldly gods✨so why wouldn't they win. Every discovery about her character kept adding to the feeling of it being a bit too much: first she's not without power but kept it a secret; then she's not just some princess of the realm but she's #queen of a reign that should have perished; then again she's also queen of Adriata and married to the most powerful whatever to ever exist (he's like 25 years old by the way); then again her OP brother and sister are alive; then again she's literally reborn Jesus Christ on earth considering you find out she's a heavenly being only second to the God of sky and thunder... really Wendy? Please.
✿ EREN AND CAI
Who the hell cares about Eren? He's literally useless to everything.
Cai I always liked because he seems the only one to ever have relatable feelings out of the bunch but that's about it. You don't even see him that much if not for a few sporadic scenes around the dining table.
✿ THORA AND MAL
Cute couple. Really their relationship inspires much more interest in me than SnowKil but unfortunately I don't have it in me to suffer through another book of #thosetwo just to reach ThoraMal's story. Sigh.
✿ NIA AND MORIKO
Mor is useless just like Eren (she's here to gift Snowlin her favorite plant which makes her think of Kilian... how cute really) and Nia's characterisation endend in Winter Gods & Serpents I fear.
ROMANCE
Look I know this is labelled as Romantasy but sweet jesus was it ever that serious? Even her slaughtered mother's spirit (which Snowlin decided to torture for a decade lol) had to tell her to just be with that tool of a husband she found for herself so what was the reason for all this? This isn't slowburn this was just dragging it to the point I felt exhausted every time the said more than 2 words to each other. The thing about it is that it wasn't ever exciting between them. "But they really hated each other!" um... Kilian can't hate even a fly cause he's irrelevant like that and Snowlin always hated him for no reason considering he only ever behaved like a nauseating lovesick puppy around her (hello he wanted to let her destroy the kingdom he's supposedly king of? that's not romantic to me it's literally pathetic of him) so draw your conclusions.
CONCLUSIONS
So yeah my journey with these books ends with just skimming the third one but I found out their ✨so powerful✨ daughter makes a cameo in Wendy's next series so I'll have to definitely try that one out.
This said, this wasn't it for me but it could be someone else's new favorite series cause there are some great ideas in here. I hated Snowlin but I know many might like her character so I'd still recommend to try to read this one out (and that's what the two stars are for).
I officially give up on this series. It breaks my heart a little because there really were some good ideas here and I think Wendy Heiss could be such an amazing writer but I cannot, for the life of me, bear with the female protagonist of this series for even one more single page. I PHYSICALLY CAN'T.
I'll be skimming the third book cause at this point I've grown much more interested in the plot-that-could-have-been rather than the romance. I really think that if it had been more focused on being plot-driven rather than on Snowlin's push and pull it could have been so much fun, sadly it wasn't and by the end of this book I was drained of every scrap of energy.
CHARACTERS
❥ KILIAN
From what I've seen of the next book... he just gets more understanding and lovely and they fuck non-stop (eye-roll) and he's such and amazing fucking husband coming out of some new-sofa in your living room advertisement... but his character is so fucking DULL. Where's the angst? Where the fuck is the ANGST? He's just here. There's nothing in his head besides that stupid whiny fuck of a wife he got for himself, which could be amusing if it didn't make him bland as hell.
This is not even a case of "me and my girl don’t argue she bash my head in with a rock and I walk it off like a man" this is just a case of him being plainly useless in all of this story, he's just here to embrace the fmc when things go wrong and that's it: his job is husband but not in an amusing way.
For god's sake he's literally the most powerful blablabla of this world, #thenightking, #theobscurasteri (whatever that means), and what he does in every chapter is just... sign papers and feed his wife on his lap. Yawn.
His character was written to be this kind of untouchable stoic aloof man, but he's just plainly boring. Nothing swoon worthy about him. He's just so pathetically good at his core I literally couldn't give less of a fuck about him. The most villainous thing this guy ever did was declaring he would let all of his reign perish and burn at his wife's hand (...literally) because he's so ❤️in love❤️ (but really he just has a guilty conscience about his brother signing a paper to slaughter her entire family in his name).. you're literally such a joke of a king Kilian please resign your position immediately and pass it to someone who can properly lead a country.
It was also mentioned many times that his people are very religious so I think it could have been fun (and what could have saved his boring ass) to explore his internal conflict on religion and his very unfaithful wife. Unfortunately he has literally zero thoughts in his head about anything that isn't pussy so whatever.
❥ SNOWLIN
Oh my fucking god shut the fuck up close that fucking mouth forever don't speak ever again.
This bitch put my patience through literal HELL. She was unbearable in the first book but here? Here we exceeded ourselves. I was hoping so bad someone would finally strike her down forever and pass that fuckass throne to her brother and sister that by the end of the book I was literally thanking heaven and hell she was finally back in her father's clutches so he could finally finish the job and put us out of our misery by killing her and making her shut the hell up FOREVER.
This isn't a strong female character worn out by her trauma... this is a whiny bitch that made me grimace from the amount of second hand embarrassment she was giving me. I was cringing so hard, face scrunched and all every time she decided to open that mouth.
You've got to believe me when I say I was hoping, praying even, that she would grow on me and have some kind of character development through this book... but the moment you learn she's queen of her useless forgotten reign she gets even worse. It seems impossible and yet.
I really think the author took too much inspiration from ToG and Aelin in general (hello? her scars removed after being kidnapped by the great villain... girl), but something definitely went wrong with Snowling cause her cockiness wasn't amusing at all... I just wanted to put her underground every two minutes.
The thing about strong female characters is that even though they're the most powerful beings in the realm they've got to struggle at some point right? Well Snowling literally doesn't struggle with anything at all, all of her problems she created herself: hello unbearable love story dragged for no reason? Hello the world is at war outside of your chamber please stop kissing in the dark and go to work?
This is the biggest problem with her character: she's too much. The author made her one of those overpowered characters you literally can't stand because what's the point of the story if she's gonna come out on top either way? The great thing about Aelin (I don't want to keep comparing but the inspiration was so clear) was that even though she too had godlike powers the book managed to keep you on edge about the outcome of the fight... you won't find that feeling here. Yes Snowlin is creating an army, yes she needs her friends and alliances but everything feels secondary to the romance to the point you just brush off every information about this war because you don't care and I mean, she and Kilian are ✨otherworldly gods✨so why wouldn't they win. Every discovery about her character kept adding to the feeling of it being a bit too much: first she's not without power but kept it a secret; then she's not just some princess of the realm but she's #queen of a reign that should have perished; then again she's also queen of Adriata and married to the most powerful whatever to ever exist (he's like 25 years old by the way); then again her OP brother and sister are alive; then again she's literally reborn Jesus Christ on earth considering you find out she's a heavenly being only second to the God of sky and thunder... really Wendy? Please.
✿ EREN AND CAI
Who the hell cares about Eren? He's literally useless to everything.
Cai I always liked because he seems the only one to ever have relatable feelings out of the bunch but that's about it. You don't even see him that much if not for a few sporadic scenes around the dining table.
✿ THORA AND MAL
Cute couple. Really their relationship inspires much more interest in me than SnowKil but unfortunately I don't have it in me to suffer through another book of #thosetwo just to reach ThoraMal's story. Sigh.
✿ NIA AND MORIKO
Mor is useless just like Eren (she's here to gift Snowlin her favorite plant which makes her think of Kilian... how cute really) and Nia's characterisation endend in Winter Gods & Serpents I fear.
ROMANCE
Look I know this is labelled as Romantasy but sweet jesus was it ever that serious? Even her slaughtered mother's spirit (which Snowlin decided to torture for a decade lol) had to tell her to just be with that tool of a husband she found for herself so what was the reason for all this? This isn't slowburn this was just dragging it to the point I felt exhausted every time the said more than 2 words to each other. The thing about it is that it wasn't ever exciting between them. "But they really hated each other!" um... Kilian can't hate even a fly cause he's irrelevant like that and Snowlin always hated him for no reason considering he only ever behaved like a nauseating lovesick puppy around her (hello he wanted to let her destroy the kingdom he's supposedly king of? that's not romantic to me it's literally pathetic of him) so draw your conclusions.
CONCLUSIONS
So yeah my journey with these books ends with just skimming the third one but I found out their ✨so powerful✨ daughter makes a cameo in Wendy's next series so I'll have to definitely try that one out.
This said, this wasn't it for me but it could be someone else's new favorite series cause there are some great ideas in here. I hated Snowlin but I know many might like her character so I'd still recommend to try to read this one out (and that's what the two stars are for).
Read
May 20, 2024Dnf, this book wasn‘t for me!
July 26, 2022
Unfortunately, I saw a tik tok recommending Winter Gods and Serpents and it was on ku so I gave it a shot three whole weeks before the release of book 2. And waiting those three weeks for this book to come out was agony.
There might be spoilers below.
"Would you like to hear a story?"
If I knew this one sentence would start a waterfall of tears, I would have stopped here. But then...the rest of this chapter .
First, Snow's journey broke me to pieces. She is so well fleshed out and real, my ultimate female lead in fantasy. She is not morally grey, that girl is the bad guy. But by the end, I was rooting for her to do worse.
"I hate me, Kilian. And there are only so many ways to hurt oneself, but I found them all."
I felt each and every part of her pain in my soul.
The way she began opening up to Kilian and how he gradually taught her to open up to others was just chef kisses. Her relationship with everyone in her family is goals. Loved the found family aspect of it.
The side characters!!! Oh my lord. I've never loved a cast of characters like this. All fleshed out, unique and flawed. The side romances were just perfect and cannot wait to see more of them.
Now. Kilian. Book boyfriend?? No. BOOK HUSBAND!! My lord. Kilian was the fictional man we are lacking in fantasy. The way he loved Snow, I could feel it everywhere in my body.
“I’ll teach you all and everything. You’ll taste the definition of my every word and love for you on your tongue. And then you’ll crave it. Just like I crave you. I want to teach you this hunger. But I will never let you starve— never.”
Need I say more????
Now, for a spicier version of that.
“I want you every day like this. On my bed. Fucked red and raw and stuffed with my come.”
And another.
“Ask, Snow . Say , Kilian, I want you to make me come.” I ran my finger over her pretty nose. “Say, Kilian, I want to come on your tongue. Say, Kilian, touch me. Touch my pretty cunt till it’s weeping.”
The balance of plot and romance was just perfect. I loved Winter Gods and Serpents plot, it was so intricate and detailed and though out. But this one blew my mind open. I want to choke Silas. He is such a despicable villain. The way he is willing to do so much wrong without flinching baffled me.
I have so much to say about this book, but I don't think I've got the words to describe the way it's broken and mended my heart. Best read this year for me.
There might be spoilers below.
"Would you like to hear a story?"
If I knew this one sentence would start a waterfall of tears, I would have stopped here. But then...the rest of this chapter .
First, Snow's journey broke me to pieces. She is so well fleshed out and real, my ultimate female lead in fantasy. She is not morally grey, that girl is the bad guy. But by the end, I was rooting for her to do worse.
"I hate me, Kilian. And there are only so many ways to hurt oneself, but I found them all."
I felt each and every part of her pain in my soul.
The way she began opening up to Kilian and how he gradually taught her to open up to others was just chef kisses. Her relationship with everyone in her family is goals. Loved the found family aspect of it.
The side characters!!! Oh my lord. I've never loved a cast of characters like this. All fleshed out, unique and flawed. The side romances were just perfect and cannot wait to see more of them.
Now. Kilian. Book boyfriend?? No. BOOK HUSBAND!! My lord. Kilian was the fictional man we are lacking in fantasy. The way he loved Snow, I could feel it everywhere in my body.
“I’ll teach you all and everything. You’ll taste the definition of my every word and love for you on your tongue. And then you’ll crave it. Just like I crave you. I want to teach you this hunger. But I will never let you starve— never.”
Need I say more????
Now, for a spicier version of that.
“I want you every day like this. On my bed. Fucked red and raw and stuffed with my come.”
And another.
“Ask, Snow . Say , Kilian, I want you to make me come.” I ran my finger over her pretty nose. “Say, Kilian, I want to come on your tongue. Say, Kilian, touch me. Touch my pretty cunt till it’s weeping.”
The balance of plot and romance was just perfect. I loved Winter Gods and Serpents plot, it was so intricate and detailed and though out. But this one blew my mind open. I want to choke Silas. He is such a despicable villain. The way he is willing to do so much wrong without flinching baffled me.
I have so much to say about this book, but I don't think I've got the words to describe the way it's broken and mended my heart. Best read this year for me.
May 26, 2024
If i hear Snow “he killed my mother” one more time… 😠😤 when in fact it wasn’t even him and she just can’t handle her hatred and just wants someone to project it on. Ugh GET OVER IT ALREADY AND ACT LIKE A 27 yo!!
I just can’t get over this series. I tried. Even if I disliked at some degree the first volume, I wanted to give it a second chance continuing this trilogy. But oh man oh man, how great was the disappointment.
DNF 30% 🫠
I just can’t get over this series. I tried. Even if I disliked at some degree the first volume, I wanted to give it a second chance continuing this trilogy. But oh man oh man, how great was the disappointment.
DNF 30% 🫠
July 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Just let poor Kilian grow his little flowers in peace already!
P.S. Silas, kindly burn in hell.
P.S. Silas, kindly burn in hell.
August 31, 2024
3.5⭐️
bit of a chore to get through, but it was still really good
bit of a chore to get through, but it was still really good
July 30, 2022
Excellent.
Everything, from start to end this book was excellent. I don't think I am ready for this series to end. I have no idea what it specifically was that made the difference for me but I don't think I've read something like this ever.
We follow Snow's journey right from where it ended in winter gods and serpents. She is fighting her father, her husband and even her own self. Her struggle was beautifully written. Her relationship with Kilian, with her family and her own struggles was such a journey!
I loved how each side character had their own back story, their own struggles, their own love interest and their own purpose in the story. I don't know which ship I want to sail the most. But I am begging the author does not make Nia and Moriko suffer. :'(
Can't wait for book 3!
Everything, from start to end this book was excellent. I don't think I am ready for this series to end. I have no idea what it specifically was that made the difference for me but I don't think I've read something like this ever.
We follow Snow's journey right from where it ended in winter gods and serpents. She is fighting her father, her husband and even her own self. Her struggle was beautifully written. Her relationship with Kilian, with her family and her own struggles was such a journey!
I loved how each side character had their own back story, their own struggles, their own love interest and their own purpose in the story. I don't know which ship I want to sail the most. But I am begging the author does not make Nia and Moriko suffer. :'(
Can't wait for book 3!
December 28, 2023
“He stared at me like no man should ever stare at his death.”
OKAY WTF BEST QOUTE EVER?!?
OKAY WTF BEST QOUTE EVER?!?
August 4, 2022
"Careful, love, your demons might start to like playing with mine"
🗡️ Enemies to lovers to enemies
Con sus dagas al cuello, amenazas, traiciones y puñaladas. Es que no le falta nada. Y aunque a mí esto es algo que me ha hecho sufrir (y no poco), vamos a admitir que la tensión que se genera es un 10/10
💛 Found family
Mi cliché favorito en el mundo y Wendy, como siempre, no decepciona. Páginas enteras subrayadas de internaciones maravillosas entre personajes maravillosos
❤️🩹 Queer norm
Simplemente gracias
⚡ Más magia, más profecías, más misterios, más ships
No creía que nada pudiera superar a WG&S pero es que este libro tiene más de todo lo que me gusta. El fangirleo ha sido muy intenso
💔 Daño emocional
Si quieres que te rompan el corazón, esta es tu saga. No es un libro especialmente trágico pero cuando duele, duele mucho. Y lo siento pero a mí me encanta
🌸 Desarrollo increíble de los personajes secundarios, narraciones brutales, interacciones magníficas y TANTAS otras cosas que no os puedo contar para no haceros spoilers
5🌟
🗡️ Enemies to lovers to enemies
Con sus dagas al cuello, amenazas, traiciones y puñaladas. Es que no le falta nada. Y aunque a mí esto es algo que me ha hecho sufrir (y no poco), vamos a admitir que la tensión que se genera es un 10/10
💛 Found family
Mi cliché favorito en el mundo y Wendy, como siempre, no decepciona. Páginas enteras subrayadas de internaciones maravillosas entre personajes maravillosos
❤️🩹 Queer norm
Simplemente gracias
⚡ Más magia, más profecías, más misterios, más ships
No creía que nada pudiera superar a WG&S pero es que este libro tiene más de todo lo que me gusta. El fangirleo ha sido muy intenso
💔 Daño emocional
Si quieres que te rompan el corazón, esta es tu saga. No es un libro especialmente trágico pero cuando duele, duele mucho. Y lo siento pero a mí me encanta
🌸 Desarrollo increíble de los personajes secundarios, narraciones brutales, interacciones magníficas y TANTAS otras cosas que no os puedo contar para no haceros spoilers
5🌟
May 10, 2024
Started off really good honestly I was shocked that this could be the same author as the first book…but then I was humbled and it went back to being predictable, repetitive, and way too lengthy. Sigh.
July 28, 2022
This series is my little secret gem.
July 26, 2024
Do I know what’s going on? No
Did I enjoy it? Yes
Did I enjoy it? Yes
February 26, 2024
It's been a while since I have found a book that is completely in its own league. But Wendy Heiss not only carefully curated wonderful characters, but developed a complex plot in a such way that leaves the reader wanting more. To create such a multifaceted political world is incredible within its own right, but SG&S developed unique political players that adds to the overarching plot. It seems as though there is often a plague amongst fantasy authors - the second installment is often the make-or-break book in the series. But Heiss executed a near perfect body of work. From war on the horizon or Kilian and Snow's relationship, there was so much for the reader to grab hold of.
The characters were beautifully complicated; I as a reader was left struggling with the balance of their character flaws, but I think that brings in a level of humanity in it that can be difficult achieve (especially amongst characters that are otherworldly). We understood Kilian and Snow's character attributes and I was glad for a reprieve in the main POVs to gain a holistic understanding of the complexity of characters like Mal, Cai, Thora, and Nia. Normally, I oppose straying from the original POVs, but every little detail is of SUCH IMPORTANCE upon the ending of the book.
That said, Mal's character nearly broke my heart. Ever the little brother it seems given that Kilian always stepped in the way of sacrifice so as to give Mal a shot at a better life. So opening with Mal's POV and then seeing his character fall off in the beginning was concerning, but all those questions are answered by the middle of the book. Nia and Thora's friendship was a great match up considering their stories and how they both feel similar to one another. I also really enjoyed the depth that was shown of Alaric's character, especially since I wasn't a huge fan of him in the first book. But his development was great! Of course, Mal and Cai are always going to be the best friend duo in my humble opinion.
To learn what we did of these characters made the ending all the more hurtful, but that finale was slowly building each time a new truth was uncovered. I can't lie, I shed some tears reading Snow relive the memory of Adriata attack with Kilian observing as well.
But the icing on the cake was when Snow finally uncovered the truth of the Adriata attack and Kilian's lack of contribution to it. To find out it was MAL who was forcibly made to approve/sign the order, was earth shattering for a number of reasons.
1. Kilian was made to choose between his younger brother and Snow - "I can't lose my brother. Don't make me choose please, I love you both." It was the fact that Snow DID love him enough to choose for him, which in the end was Mal over her. And now the prologue made all the more sense; Mal's unprecedented behavior and his somberness all was due to knowing the Snow was taken from Kilian all over again. Because he knew that Kilian would choose Mal over and over again. He was willing to DIE, literally DIE by the hands of the women he has loved his WHOLE LIFE to protect Mal. "The boy who was going to marry me. That man who married me. My destiny. My ruin. 'Goodbye.'"
Naturally I was bawling my eyes out. It made for their marriage in the end, all the more heart-wrenching. "I realised that the world was all too pale for all the colour I felt for this man." WOW!!!
2. Which leads me to Snow and Mals capture, and Nia's death. I did NOT expect for Kilian to lose EVERYTHING so quickly. His wife and his brother, just gone. After he finally got everything he wanted. And to see how much he cared for and cherished Nia upon her death was incredibly sad. Nia's final words, the way that Cai and Alastair mourned her...Heiss crafted a SERIOUS ending in this book. One that I really haven't read before, let alone with characters that we had grown to love so fiercely.
DYNAMICS:
The dynamics between plot to romance - and the development of the two - was masterfully crafted. It's a difficult thing to manage considering readers normally crave one a little bit more than the other. But Heiss delegated the storytelling well.
Between character to character was even better. It's hard to execute character relations without becoming repetitive or following a specific formula that is often utilized by fantasy authors. But I loved the way that Snow's character developed, Kilian's protectiveness of Mal, Cai and Eren's story, and Thora and Nia's friendship. The comradery between Mal and Cai and the way Mal connects with Thora.
Finally, the story overall offered a plot like no other, with systems of power that rival that of our own world. It was poetic in many ways, especially in regard to the parallels from book 1 to now.
Heiss created a complex story in its own unique lane, and I couldn't get another of it!
The characters were beautifully complicated; I as a reader was left struggling with the balance of their character flaws, but I think that brings in a level of humanity in it that can be difficult achieve (especially amongst characters that are otherworldly). We understood Kilian and Snow's character attributes and I was glad for a reprieve in the main POVs to gain a holistic understanding of the complexity of characters like Mal, Cai, Thora, and Nia. Normally, I oppose straying from the original POVs, but every little detail is of SUCH IMPORTANCE upon the ending of the book.
That said, Mal's character nearly broke my heart. Ever the little brother it seems given that Kilian always stepped in the way of sacrifice so as to give Mal a shot at a better life. So opening with Mal's POV and then seeing his character fall off in the beginning was concerning, but all those questions are answered by the middle of the book. Nia and Thora's friendship was a great match up considering their stories and how they both feel similar to one another. I also really enjoyed the depth that was shown of Alaric's character, especially since I wasn't a huge fan of him in the first book. But his development was great! Of course, Mal and Cai are always going to be the best friend duo in my humble opinion.
To learn what we did of these characters made the ending all the more hurtful, but that finale was slowly building each time a new truth was uncovered. I can't lie, I shed some tears reading Snow relive the memory of Adriata attack with Kilian observing as well.
But the icing on the cake was when Snow finally uncovered the truth of the Adriata attack and Kilian's lack of contribution to it. To find out it was MAL who was forcibly made to approve/sign the order, was earth shattering for a number of reasons.
1. Kilian was made to choose between his younger brother and Snow - "I can't lose my brother. Don't make me choose please, I love you both." It was the fact that Snow DID love him enough to choose for him, which in the end was Mal over her. And now the prologue made all the more sense; Mal's unprecedented behavior and his somberness all was due to knowing the Snow was taken from Kilian all over again. Because he knew that Kilian would choose Mal over and over again. He was willing to DIE, literally DIE by the hands of the women he has loved his WHOLE LIFE to protect Mal. "The boy who was going to marry me. That man who married me. My destiny. My ruin. 'Goodbye.'"
Naturally I was bawling my eyes out. It made for their marriage in the end, all the more heart-wrenching. "I realised that the world was all too pale for all the colour I felt for this man." WOW!!!
2. Which leads me to Snow and Mals capture, and Nia's death. I did NOT expect for Kilian to lose EVERYTHING so quickly. His wife and his brother, just gone. After he finally got everything he wanted. And to see how much he cared for and cherished Nia upon her death was incredibly sad. Nia's final words, the way that Cai and Alastair mourned her...Heiss crafted a SERIOUS ending in this book. One that I really haven't read before, let alone with characters that we had grown to love so fiercely.
DYNAMICS:
The dynamics between plot to romance - and the development of the two - was masterfully crafted. It's a difficult thing to manage considering readers normally crave one a little bit more than the other. But Heiss delegated the storytelling well.
Between character to character was even better. It's hard to execute character relations without becoming repetitive or following a specific formula that is often utilized by fantasy authors. But I loved the way that Snow's character developed, Kilian's protectiveness of Mal, Cai and Eren's story, and Thora and Nia's friendship. The comradery between Mal and Cai and the way Mal connects with Thora.
Finally, the story overall offered a plot like no other, with systems of power that rival that of our own world. It was poetic in many ways, especially in regard to the parallels from book 1 to now.
Heiss created a complex story in its own unique lane, and I couldn't get another of it!
April 25, 2025
Emotionally drained!
⭐️ 4.75/5 (It needs a good editing)
🌶 2/5
🧠7/10 (Heavy high fantasy with numerous characters, kingdoms, realms, gods, creatures, and magics to keep up with)
A lot of 2nd books in a series leave much to be desired but not this one. Experiencing the FMC Snowlin work through her heavy trauma, including past and current decisions, was mostly heartbreaking honestly. A lot of times she is her own worst enemy. I loved where she ended up by the end here and am excited to see her meld the two halves of her personality in the last book.
The MMC Kilian was incredible. If you are into powerful burnt cinnamon rolls who will burn heaven, hell, and earth for their girl, the Night King is for you. I do hope we explore his power and connections to death more in book 3.
The plot is honestly stunning. It's predictably unpredictable. The two sides play each other like finely tuned violins. When one side loses, you can't tell if they lost on purpose to move a chess piece into position. It's really fun!
It does end on a heavy cliffhanger, but book 3 is available, so no worries there.
⭐️ 4.75/5 (It needs a good editing)
🌶 2/5
🧠7/10 (Heavy high fantasy with numerous characters, kingdoms, realms, gods, creatures, and magics to keep up with)
A lot of 2nd books in a series leave much to be desired but not this one. Experiencing the FMC Snowlin work through her heavy trauma, including past and current decisions, was mostly heartbreaking honestly. A lot of times she is her own worst enemy. I loved where she ended up by the end here and am excited to see her meld the two halves of her personality in the last book.
The MMC Kilian was incredible. If you are into powerful burnt cinnamon rolls who will burn heaven, hell, and earth for their girl, the Night King is for you. I do hope we explore his power and connections to death more in book 3.
The plot is honestly stunning. It's predictably unpredictable. The two sides play each other like finely tuned violins. When one side loses, you can't tell if they lost on purpose to move a chess piece into position. It's really fun!
It does end on a heavy cliffhanger, but book 3 is available, so no worries there.
December 8, 2025
THE YEARNING! This is a GOD TIER series for me, no notes!
Read
July 24, 2025Edit:
went back and read some of the scenes towards the end and oh my gosh this series has my heart and soul. these are genuinely some of the best written characters i’ve ever seen, snow and killian (the mcs) literally shine, snow is sooo complex and strong but allowed to be a complete person which is sooo rare for female characters, but even the side characters like the cai and snow dynamic is such a well written male-female friendship dynamic w/o romance, even nia and snow like that’s how you write a good female friendship without sacrificing complexity. mal too, although i do wish there had been more of him considering some of the plot.
my ONLY thing is it needs editing. like keep the story the same, but info dump a little more rather than treating the world building normally (like it’s fascinating stuff but when the characters always mention these cities and names in a casual context it’s hard to keep track). some of the grammar was off (audiobook, again, was better because of the updated edition) and sometimes a scene didn’t physically fully make sense (like a character would be mentioned stand up then later in a paragraph or two would suddenly stand up from their chair again)
it’s sooo close to perfect tho
WHY IS THIS ACTUALLY WELL-WRITTEN
EVERY SINGLE LIKE MEANINGFUL SCENE WAS GENUINELY SO HEARTBREAKING AND HEARTWARMING AT THE SAME TIME
THE POLITICS??? THE DRAMA??? AN ACTUALLY MORALLY GREY FMC??!!
AND SNOW AND KILLIAN LIKE IM IN LOVE WITH BOTH OF THEM AND YES, THERE'S SPICE BUT, MOST OF THE ROMANCE ISN'T EVEN EXPLICIT IN NATURE OR OVERWRITTEN TROPES
ALSO A LOVE INTEREST THAT ISN'T DESCRIBED AS DARK, BROODING, HULKING OR EMOTIONALLY-CLOSED-OFF AND IN LOVE W THE PETITIEST ITTY BITTIEST WOMAN EVER?? LIKE WHY IS HE SO HEALTHY AND FORGIVING, IT'S GIVING THE MORE USEFUL PEETA WE ALL NEEDED 😍 I THINK HER STOMACH HAS GROWLED MORE THAN HE HAS
went back and read some of the scenes towards the end and oh my gosh this series has my heart and soul. these are genuinely some of the best written characters i’ve ever seen, snow and killian (the mcs) literally shine, snow is sooo complex and strong but allowed to be a complete person which is sooo rare for female characters, but even the side characters like the cai and snow dynamic is such a well written male-female friendship dynamic w/o romance, even nia and snow like that’s how you write a good female friendship without sacrificing complexity. mal too, although i do wish there had been more of him considering some of the plot.
my ONLY thing is it needs editing. like keep the story the same, but info dump a little more rather than treating the world building normally (like it’s fascinating stuff but when the characters always mention these cities and names in a casual context it’s hard to keep track). some of the grammar was off (audiobook, again, was better because of the updated edition) and sometimes a scene didn’t physically fully make sense (like a character would be mentioned stand up then later in a paragraph or two would suddenly stand up from their chair again)
it’s sooo close to perfect tho
WHY IS THIS ACTUALLY WELL-WRITTEN
EVERY SINGLE LIKE MEANINGFUL SCENE WAS GENUINELY SO HEARTBREAKING AND HEARTWARMING AT THE SAME TIME
THE POLITICS??? THE DRAMA??? AN ACTUALLY MORALLY GREY FMC??!!
AND SNOW AND KILLIAN LIKE IM IN LOVE WITH BOTH OF THEM AND YES, THERE'S SPICE BUT, MOST OF THE ROMANCE ISN'T EVEN EXPLICIT IN NATURE OR OVERWRITTEN TROPES
ALSO A LOVE INTEREST THAT ISN'T DESCRIBED AS DARK, BROODING, HULKING OR EMOTIONALLY-CLOSED-OFF AND IN LOVE W THE PETITIEST ITTY BITTIEST WOMAN EVER?? LIKE WHY IS HE SO HEALTHY AND FORGIVING, IT'S GIVING THE MORE USEFUL PEETA WE ALL NEEDED 😍 I THINK HER STOMACH HAS GROWLED MORE THAN HE HAS
July 28, 2022
Thank you Wendy Heiss for the arc!
The Auran Chronicles continue where certain truths are revealed, battles and plotting ensue and more!
Love the simple, but really pretty cover that matches the first book perfectly!
This book was sooo good! I think I enjoyed it even more than the first one! Snow is such a boss queen I love her. Kilian is such a hawt, loving and caring king to his wife. I love them both so much!
The spice in this book was hawt.
Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy, some spice, romance, enemies to lovers, political intrigue, bossery and more!
The Auran Chronicles continue where certain truths are revealed, battles and plotting ensue and more!
Love the simple, but really pretty cover that matches the first book perfectly!
This book was sooo good! I think I enjoyed it even more than the first one! Snow is such a boss queen I love her. Kilian is such a hawt, loving and caring king to his wife. I love them both so much!
The spice in this book was hawt.
Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy, some spice, romance, enemies to lovers, political intrigue, bossery and more!
September 11, 2022
S-tier Romantasy
*No Spoilers*
Wow. That ending. This is truly my favorite series. I’m so deeply invested in these characters and their fates. Every character is so perfectly written and every scene is so wonderfully drawn out. In another universe- Snow and I are best friends and there is a Killian doppelgänger I get as well. I cannot wait for the next book. Again- I love this series.
*No Spoilers*
Wow. That ending. This is truly my favorite series. I’m so deeply invested in these characters and their fates. Every character is so perfectly written and every scene is so wonderfully drawn out. In another universe- Snow and I are best friends and there is a Killian doppelgänger I get as well. I cannot wait for the next book. Again- I love this series.
March 19, 2023
update: still nearly perfection the second time around. i really don’t think i have any words for this. this series makes me feel so many things, i’ve cried during each book.
my heart hurts, that’s all. leaving me in a book hangover until the next one comes out. everything hurts.
my heart hurts, that’s all. leaving me in a book hangover until the next one comes out. everything hurts.
September 25, 2022
IT'S AMAZING. The best second book in a saga. The characters are so good that I love them with all my heart. But, the best part is the plot. Why? Why, Wendy Heiss, are you torturing us? I feel like a masochist for loving all the suffer.
May 18, 2024
Why did it feel like i skipped chapters? Why was there no proper ending or beginning to each chapter? Why are there too many plot twists happening all at the same time that it's too hard to comprehend? Why is the word building too confusing? (And why is the world still building in the second book?)
August 5, 2022
i'm sick of the MC being a dramatic bitch lol
August 19, 2024
This book is a monster. Is it long? Yes. Is it worth it? YES!!! I loved this book. It is definitely a romantasy and very heavy on the romance, but the world building, characters, and plot is amazing. Great book to get into for those people who are romance readers but want to try fantasy. I love Snow. She is 100% morally grey and does not deviate from her path or goals. I loved the introduction to some new characters (you know who). Snow is one of my favourite characters ever. Amazing. Everything she did she did with purpose and the book felt complete. The first book I find was more setting up for what was to come. This completed it.
Also love the queer rep. I feel that in quite a few books that I’ve read the queer couples are not very flushed out, or they make a big deal that they’re gay, but Wendy writes them like they’re normal. Which they are. Literally no one in the book bats an eye or finds it strange because it’s completely normal in their world. Like it should be here. Love it. Makes me feel comfortable reading it and not cringy.
Do I wish the book was a little shorter? Yeah. But don’t let that stop you from reading it.
Spoilers
I cried twice in this book. When Kil died on the lake and Snow was begging for him, and when Snow said she loved him and they got married at the end. The pain it caused my heart and then the happiness. Ughhhhhhhhh!!
Also almost cried when she found her siblings! I did guess that Kil wasn’t the one to sign off on the attack and it was Mal. He was being a little sus. But I wasn’t disappointed or felt a lack of excitement when it was revealed which is amazing writing.
Also love the queer rep. I feel that in quite a few books that I’ve read the queer couples are not very flushed out, or they make a big deal that they’re gay, but Wendy writes them like they’re normal. Which they are. Literally no one in the book bats an eye or finds it strange because it’s completely normal in their world. Like it should be here. Love it. Makes me feel comfortable reading it and not cringy.
Do I wish the book was a little shorter? Yeah. But don’t let that stop you from reading it.
Spoilers
I cried twice in this book. When Kil died on the lake and Snow was begging for him, and when Snow said she loved him and they got married at the end. The pain it caused my heart and then the happiness. Ughhhhhhhhh!!
Also almost cried when she found her siblings! I did guess that Kil wasn’t the one to sign off on the attack and it was Mal. He was being a little sus. But I wasn’t disappointed or felt a lack of excitement when it was revealed which is amazing writing.
November 5, 2023
This book absolutely wrecked me. Tears are flowing as I try to process the devastating ending!
Wendy has outdone herself with the second book. Kilian and Snow’s dynamic is beyond words, and my heart now belongs to Mal, Cai, Nia, Thora, and Eren(everyone).
I'm still crying from finishing the second book, but I can't wait to dive into the third!!
Wendy has outdone herself with the second book. Kilian and Snow’s dynamic is beyond words, and my heart now belongs to Mal, Cai, Nia, Thora, and Eren(everyone).
I'm still crying from finishing the second book, but I can't wait to dive into the third!!
October 24, 2024
WHEN HES FULL ON OBSESSED, LOVE LANGUAGE IS WORDS OF AFFIRMATION AND NOT AFRAID TO VOICE HIS FEELINGS. WHEN HES UNAPOLOGETICALLY SO IN LOVE >>>>>>>
AND WHEN SHE HAS SPINE, POWERS, SELF RESPECR BUT ALSO CAN BE VERY VULNERABLE AND LOVABLE.
FOUND FAMILY ASPECT AND PLOT IS JUST AS GOOD.
*Still has grammatical errors tho ffs.
AND WHEN SHE HAS SPINE, POWERS, SELF RESPECR BUT ALSO CAN BE VERY VULNERABLE AND LOVABLE.
FOUND FAMILY ASPECT AND PLOT IS JUST AS GOOD.
*Still has grammatical errors tho ffs.
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